Gillett schools evacuated after bomb threat

Gillett schools were evacuated for more than three hours March 8 after a bomb threat was called into Gillett Elementary School.

Police Chief Shane Breitenbach said the “vague” call was received around 7:40 a.m. and did not specify a time or location. Both the elementary and secondary schools were evacuated and students moved to locations off campus while multiple agencies conducted a thorough search, Breitenbach said.

“No suspicious persons, items or activities were observed,” he said.

Students and staff were allowed back into the buildings at 11 a.m., and the case remains under investigation.

Gillett, Suring and Lena police, Oconto County sheriff’s deputies, the Brown County K9 Explosive Detection Units, Gillett Area Ambulance, and the city of Gillett and Town of Underhill fire departments all responded to the incident. The Oconto County Highway Department also assisted.

Breitenbach and school officials thanked the participating emergency services for their assistance.